Quermesse opened in 2013, at least in the form and shape I know it as. It is a nice and comfortable restaurant, tucked away in Rua da Glória, just next to Praça de Alegria. Although this area has had lots of renovation plans, it’s still a quite run-down part of downtown Lisbon. But increasingly new places are popping up, which gives the neighbourhood that typical Lisbon mix of old and new.

The menu is primarily Portuguese, although with some nice contemporary twists and extending to other parts of the Mediterranean. The place is very nicely decorated and makes you feel at home instantly.

They are already becoming famous for their excellent steaks (“bifes”).

Besides food, the place also hosts an art gallery. You can see rotating expositions while you dine. Not bad.

Nice place for a relaxing dinner in an authentic setting. Bairro Alto et al is only a 5 minute walk away.

The last pleasant surprise was the price, quite affordable (not including the price of the artwork!).